Nice is one of the most exciting Mediterranean getaways in Provence, the southeast coast of France. A splendid shoreline combined with a metropolitan vibe makes this city a popular holiday destination. Its serene landscape has been the inspiration for many artists. Dotted with numerous museums, cathedrals, ruins, and a dreamy promenade, it has been a favorite among vacationers since the 1800s.

As you're planning your trip, remember to purchase travel medical insurance plan or a travel insurance plan as a safety net against unexpected injuries or illnesses.

Things to Do for Travelers in Nice

There is much to do and see in this picturesque little French town. Soak up the rays under the Mediterranean sun, take a stroll down the old town, or visit one of the many museums that the city has to offer. After a day of sightseeing and enjoying the town, head down to one of the many cafes to experience wonderful French cuisine.

The Promenade des Anglais

The 7-kilometer (about 4.3-mile) embankment is an integral feature of this Mediterranean town. Made popular by wealthy British tourists in the 19th century, this seaside walk is the first thing that attracts a visitor to the city. Its broad walkway is peppered with ornate buildings, palm trees, gardens, and cafes. Take a Segway tour, bike through the pavements, or enjoy a leisurely stroll to explore its panoramic beauty.

Old Town

Vieille Ville, or "Old Town", looks like something out of a postcard. With its winding alleys and cobbled streets, it is strongly reminiscent of Italian boulevards and back lanes. Talk a walk around its vibrant colony to experience local markets, awe-inspiring buildings, and art exhibitions. Old Town is perfect for a day of unplanned exploration.

Cimiez

Primarily a residential area, this district of the town contains Roman ruins, popular museums of Matisse and Chagall, gardens, and cathedrals. One of the must-visit areas of Nice, it sits on a hill and offers some pretty, picturesque vantage points of the city.

Musée Matisse

Constructed in the 17th century, this museum houses one of the largest collections of work in the world of artist Henri Matisse. Surrounded by olive gardens, it is a short walk from the center of Nice. Ideal for art enthusiasts, it also exhibits some of Matisse's personal belongings as well.

Musée Marc Chagall

Situated on top of Cimiez Hill, this museum was built by the artist himself and was opened to the public in 1973. Explore the surreal paintings and artwork by the French master, and take a walk in the lovely gardens. Enjoy the singular architecture of the museum that plays with lighting and ambiance, setting a meditative tone to the environment.

Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas

A unique addition to the landscape of Nice, this cathedral was built under the patronage of Czar Nicholas II. With its teal blue domes and golden crosses, it stands as the most outlandish cathedral in the city.

Cours Saleya Market

If you are fond of local bazaars and open flea markets, don't forget to pay a visit to Cours Saleya. Situated in the heart of Old Town, this place offers four different markets for visitors to explore. The flower and food market is held from Tuesday through Sunday. But on Mondays, the place is transformed into an open flea market that sells furniture, antiques, books, etc. There's also a night market that generally opens up during warm summer evenings in June.

Parc Phoenix

Tired of buildings and museums? Visit the Parc Phoenix to enjoy the largest greenhouse in Europe. This park, measuring in at about 7 square miles (about 18.1 square kilometers), combines a zoo, a botanical garden, a playground, and a picnic spot all in one. It makes for a great change of scene after a day of exploration.

Travel Risks for International Travelers in Nice

Nice is generally considered to be quite safe for tourists. There are hardly any major crimes in the city, and security has been ramped up heavily in recent years. But as with traveling anywhere, you would want to be aware of what to expect when sightseeing in certain areas of the city, perhaps, or sightseeing at night.

Pickpockets

This is one of the most common types of crime you can face while in Nice. Pickpockets are generally active on public transports, usually during crowded hours. There's also a risk of purse-snatchers and belongings being stolen from open car doors.

Natural Disaster

There's quite a low-level threat of natural hazards striking the city, except the occasional flood or avalanche. These are rare occurrences, if at all, and shouldn't dissuade anyone from visiting the city.

Rental Car Guidelines

Unless you have a specific need, stay away from renting a car while in Nice. Parking is a huge issue in the city. Unfortunately, the city has seen quite a number of rental cars being stolen. So always lock the doors while visiting tourist places. There have also been cases of home-jacking, where thieves break into a villa, find the car keys, and steal the rental cars.

Public Transport Risk

Avoid taking very late trains on the western side of the city (Nice - Cannes - St Raphael - Marseilles). Most of the stations will not be properly staffed at such late hours, and trains will usually run empty. So, there might be a greater risk of mugging.

Nice Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs

Nice offers decent public and private healthcare facilities. However, for someone traveling from outside, the healthcare costs might come at a steep price. It is advisable to get Nice travel medical insurance before visiting the city.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Nice?

You don't need travel medical insurance to enter into France. However, having proper travel insurance for Nice is mandatory to obtain your Schengen Visa. Your insurance certificate must meet several criteria to be valid. It must cover medical expenses up to 30,000 Euros and must also be valid across all Schengen states. If you're passing through Nice as part of a longer European tour, then you will be required to have sufficient insurance.

Why buy travel medical insurance for Nice?

A lot of things might go wrong on an international trip. From health emergencies to accidents, unexpected mishaps could ruin your vacation and result in a major setback in your travel expenses. Buy travel medical insurance in Nice to protect yourself from unexpected eventualities. You can receive coverage for emergency medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, the return of mortal remains, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), and more.

Nice Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs

Usually, a lot of planning and budgeting goes into an international vacation. Don't let sudden disasters ruin things for you. Your flight might get canceled, or you might get sick or injured and need to cancel your vacation at the last minute. Trip cancellation insurance protects your travel budget from shooting up unexpectedly.

Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Nice?

Although Nice is generally considered to be a safe place to visit, you may face sudden hitches in your travel plans. Getting proper trip cancellation insurance in Nice is the most sensible thing to do. It can protect you from unwarranted changes of plans or flight cancellations.

What all is covered under trip cancellation insurance for Nice?

A trip cancellation insurance plan can reimburse you in full for your prepaid, non-refundable expenses like flights and hotel bookings if you have to cancel for a reason explicitly listed in your policy's certificate wording. Trip cancellations due to accidents, sickness, and death are generally covered by a Nice travel insurance policy. The fine print of your plan will give you a list of inclusions that will tell you under what circumstances the insurance can be claimed. Read through the fine print to ensure you understand completely what your insurance policy covers.

Before You Travel to Nice - Do This

You are visiting the Belle of French Riviera. While it is one of the most beautiful beach towns in southern France, a few things could be a bit intimidating for the usual traveler. If this is your first time in Nice, it is advisable to keep the following points in mind.

As in all major tourist spots, you will want to know how to keep safe, so check the place where you plan to stay in advance.

Keep your travel documents and valuables in a safe place. Beware of pickpockets and scammers in crowded public transports and popular tourist areas.

Avoid renting a car while in Nice. But if you do find yourself taking a rental, make sure to lock the doors and windows properly and keep the keys in a safe place.

Buy travel insurance or travel medical insurance for Nice. Proper travel insurance will safeguard you against medical emergencies, repatriations costs, sudden trip cancellation costs, etc. Make sure to read the policy document to understand coverages.

DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.